$100 for someone who can guide me through replacing airbag + sensors

[WizardofAUS]

Hi everybody,

Firstly, I don't know F all about cars and was hoping someone could help me. I was in an accident and the airbag was deployed. I've paid $2000 so far for getting all the main stuff fixed (panel beating, new door, back axel fixed), all that is left is the airbag and all its sensors. I have gotten 2 quotes of around $800...which I don't have. Not to mention it needs a service, roadworthy and new rego.

I was told two things:
1: All sensors and airbag needs to be replaced (Holden)
2: It is impossible that the airbag went off because they only deploy when your in a head on (I hit a pole at about 30k/m near the back/left wheel), and a quick change of the airbag will do (Smash repairs mechanic)

I need someone to tell me the following...

*What or IF sensors need to be replaced
*Where to get parts
*Details on HOW to replace
*Any information I need to get the airbag system working again
*Also, because I don't know shit about cars, the information needs to be verified by others.

$50 to start, and $50 when it's finished via paypal/bank deposit. Easy money if you know exactly what to do

I don't know much about cars, but I know a little about electronics and believe I could do it myself with the right guidance. The car is a 2001 VX executive, any help would be much appreciated. Thank you

[ephect]

i would assume it has 2 airbags, one on the steering and the other under the passager side dash? if so

Disconnect the battery first!
steering wheel airbag is held on by 4 torq screws on the back of the wheel, easy to remove,
under the dash, is a prick if its anything like the VS, the dash has to be removed.

if it only has the 1, its on the wheel.

**DISCLAIMER**
Advice is given freely, which may or may not be correct, do what you will with my adivce/opinion without liability to me. preceed at your own risk
**************

Now since none of the airbag system was touched nor deployed, you shouldnt have to replace any part of it. HOLDEN will tell you to replace it all to cover there ass; if for some reason it doesnt deploy if you have a head on colision from here on in. its there duty to advise you on the safest route!

how much do you value your life, do you risk doing nothing or doing it all for your own piece of mind..

[Full Spectrum]

As someone who has had these things replaced. seriously get an auto-elec to do it. buy all the gear you need. get the airbags from a wreckers, get the sensor from holden. and also get the pretensions from holden, both new. grab a second hand dash pad. walk into a auto-elec and it shouldn't cost more than $400 for them to do the job.

Also does the car need a VIV ?.

[wraith]

Correct me if I'm wrong doesn't it need to be done properly cause it's a safety device. In fact isn't it now technically classed as repairable write off?

[calais24/7]

I know f all about airbags, htis is why im asking. If it hasn't gone off what is the point of getting them replaced? And won't it only be classed as a repairable right off if he goes through insurance?

[wraith]

It has gone off.

[calais24/7]

haha fk im silly, i just went to re read it and it said it in the first sentance. You should probably leave the airbags to a professional mate

[WizardofAUS]

Thanks heaps for the replies, so everyone agrees it should be left to the pro's? Full spectrum, do you know an exact part list I would need? and whats a VIV?

I have a new airbag already, its the sensors im worried about, and all these electrical modules that ive been told to replace.

Also, would one of those scan tools (tech2?) that the mechanics use, would that tell them exactly what was wrong?

[itsagixa]

argee, its potentially your life that may be at risk if you do it yourself and you crash and the bags dont deploy

[stuntmanmike]

Worst still, is handling the air bag inflator unit that is sensitive to static electricity. Sitting in the seat of your car with woolens or polyester clothing could generate static electricity and ZAP when you earth on something conductive (eg fingers touch something grounded to the car body). If this happens while handling the air bag inflator and it detonates then it won't be a nice result. It is an explosion hazard.

Always steer clear of any cars at the wreckers that have the sticker "Air Bag Not Deployed" for that reason.

It is suggested you invest your $100 reward being offered to a qualified tradesperson that can repair your SRS unit and then perform a systems check to qualify that the SRS is functional. It will be the best investment you may make.

[304runner]

Unless the people giving this bloke advice are qualified, id be very careful on guiding him through it. Mate, you have been in an acco so just imagine what could happen if you don't instal it correctly and you have another prang and the thing doesn't go off....

I'm all for helping people out and saving a dollar or two but seriously don't take the risk... It would be like guiding someone through a full rewire of their house's electrical system, somethings bound to go wrong...

[Full Spectrum]

Thanks heaps for the replies, so everyone agrees it should be left to the pro's? Full spectrum, do you know an exact part list I would need? and whats a VIV?

I have a new airbag already, its the sensors im worried about, and all these electrical modules that ive been told to replace.

Also, would one of those scan tools (tech2?) that the mechanics use, would that tell them exactly what was wrong?

If you don't know what a viv is that's good it shouldn't need one..

If you only have a single airbag in the drivers steering wheel this is good. All you need is to match the model colour and replace the whole steering wheel. when it comes the the sensors go new. give holden a call and tell them you wont a airbag sensor. if you only have the single airbag ask for the single sensor. also ask for thpretensionsersrs. Clock spring. Actually as i start to look over the price - that holden prices seems pretty good.
Airbags is new $400+. pretensioners are $133 each. clock spring $120 The modual airbag sensor was $325 ( 4 airbags). their price is pretty good. Have you tried any auto electricians ?. My quote for replacement of 4 airbags and everything was $6,500!.

[scvs6]

I don't understand how the airbag went off. He didn't have a head on crash, he hit near the back left wheel......Doesn't the airbag only go off if you get hit fairly hard in the front?

[ephect]

I don't understand how the airbag went off. He didn't have a head on crash, he hit near the back left wheel......Doesn't the airbag only go off if you get hit fairly hard in the front?

you are correct, hence my first post.. if you really wanna check it before spending up big on everything. after your rear has been fixed up, take it to holden and ask them to check the SRS system, they'll tell you if the system is fine. i really doubt any smash repairs even think about the airbag system when the rear is damaged and nothing frontward the doors are touched.

that would render most pre 2004 cars a writeoff in their books.

[WizardofAUS]

Thanks everyone for your help, its getting sorted out now.